ISLE OF WIGHT IN RUNNING TO BRING TOURIST AWARD HOME

The Isle of Wight has been shortlisted for the coveted ‘Best UK Holiday County or Region’ accolade in the British Travel Awards, nwemail.co.uk reports.

It faces tough competition in fellow nominees Cornwall and Yorkshire, but tourist officials from the island will be hoping that its wealth of attractions and striking coastlines will be enough to secure the prize.

If the Isle of Wight does emerge victorious, those in the hospitality sector should by no means consider this to be just another trophy, as every single award in the ceremony is voted for by the very people who take Isle of Wight breaks – the British public.

Still, should the Garden Isle fail to secure a triumph in this particular category, it’ll still be in with a chance of securing the ‘Best UK Coastal Town’ award. The island will be in contention alongside fellow nominees Bournemouth, as well as Fal Fiver and St Ives, both located in Cornwall.

One man that’s seemingly bound to vote for the town in the coastal award is Isle of Wight Festival promoter and beach fanatic John Giddings. On Monday, June 18, Mr Giddings announced his intention to transport 400 tonnes of sand from Bembridge beach to the festival site, just to give the crowds a sample of local goodness.

According to scotsman.com, organisers will attempt to provide festival-goers with a makeshift British beach, complete with deck-chairs and beach balls.

Commenting on the return of the Festival beach, Mr Giddings said: “Our audiences like to have a good time. Our very own beach on the festival site is back and bigger than every before a beach by day and a massive party by night.”